DHSC have highlighted an emerging risk to the UK medical technology supply chain following recent developments involving Nexperia, a major global supplier of legacy semiconductors.
The Dutch government’s recent intervention and the subsequent Chinese export ban on Nexperia products have disrupted a significant portion of the company’s supply chain, with potential implications for the availability of critical chips used in a wide range of medical devices.
While immediate supply threats are not yet confirmed, early indications suggest exposure among several MedTech suppliers.
DHSC are conscious that this comes alongside broader ongoing challenges around semiconductor shortages which have already resulted in increased costs, longer lead times, and supply chain vulnerabilities across the healthcare sector.
Update: Thank you to those who previously responded. DHSC and BIVDA would still like to know about any issues suppliers are having (please send feedback here) and remind members to check with their supply chains to identify any potential issues with obtaining Nexperia components. DHSC and BIVDA will continue to monitor and provide feedback on this issue until it is resolved.
